Hi guys,

Just a quick question I need help with.
What is the easiest and safest way of removing old head gasket from the face of the block without the risk of scratching the face, and that I can do at home??

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If it has tit's or tires....It'll take all your money!
74 Leyland Clubman S (scrap)
77 Leyland Clubman S

A paint scraper helps, or the end of a chisel.

Best tool is a proper gasket scraper as it has a chisel like edge and support, but isn't as sharp. Available at the usual outlets like supercheap.

Don't concern yourself with scratching the block, it will resist any of your efforts as long as you don't use a hammer or other brute forces. Just use the scraper by hand and keep the rubbish from going down the bores, waterjackets and returns to the sump.

There's also a spray which apparently helps dissolve the old gasket, but I don't use it.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Paint stripper is very effective at removing old carbon, glues etc. from block & head surfaces. It can be scoured with stainless steel pot scourer, as bits of scourer tend not to break off stainless types. Wipe off with tissues, clean with damp cloth and finish with thinners or acetone for a clean surface. Use tissues damped in clean engine oil to wipe out bores.

I had nothing to scrape a head the other day so clamped a Stanley knife blade with vice grips and it worked a treat!

I was thinking paint scraper initially but was concerned about scratching the face. I might try the blade method as I have one here in a handle to clean oven tops.
A liquid remover sounds the best idea.

_________________
If it has tit's or tires....It'll take all your money!
74 Leyland Clubman S (scrap)
77 Leyland Clubman S

i do it with a paint scraper then a razor blade, i like it really really clean...

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

I use a 3/8" square x 3" long HSS tool bit, using the side edges, held on a slight angle. It cleans it all off flat without any gouging.
Pull all the head studs out first, if there are any burrs pulled up dress the head off with a fine file before scraping.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Remove all the studs, don't work around them.

The CRC spray on gasket remover is great just don't spary it direct onto surface as any over spray will remove paint. Spray onto a clean rag and wipe on, leave a few minutes then wipe off.

I would like to add that it is a good idea to use scotch brite type scourer as well, I do anyhow.

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It's easy once you know how.

For years I have used a piece of broken power hacksaw blade, about 25mm wide and ground to a chisel edge, for gasket removal, works a treat.

Old planer blade works as a scraper pretty well also.

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1963 Morris 850 Smoke Grey
1963 Morris 850 Shadow Blue
1965 Morris Mini Smooth Van
1966 Morris Mini Van
1969 Morris Mini Deluxe Resto
5/72 Clubman Gt

Same .

I've tried a scraper or two with no luck, tried a razor blade in a handle, no good.
I've also just watched a video on the CRC Gasket Remover and that stuff looks hard-core so I'm going to duck down the shop and pick up some of that stuff and give it a go.

_________________
If it has tit's or tires....It'll take all your money!
74 Leyland Clubman S (scrap)
77 Leyland Clubman S

It dont go so well inside engines.

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It's easy once you know how.